Be Your Own Producer

Because of the relatively low cost of quality recording hardware and software, more and more groups are recording their own albums. While this approach has potential financial, creative, and logistical benefits, there are also a number of drawbacks and pitfalls to be considered. In this workshop, we will discuss these factors and how to weigh them within the context of your group’s goals and abilities to decide if self-recording is the right choice for you. We will then cover the components and costs of a simple but sufficient recording setup. We will also discuss how to prepare arrangements for recording, how to effectively record various parts (solo, bass, backgrounds, vp, etc.), and how different aspects of a singer’s studio performance can impact the final product. Finally, we will briefly explain editing and mixing on a conceptual level (as understanding subsequent stages of production helps guide choices made during recording), and discuss how to effectively communicate with producers to maximize the quality and minimize the costs of the project.